Background Nitrogen mood
Own watercolors lead to a dispute in The Hague
What's more enjoyable in The Hague, amidst the dull news about the formation of the government, than a "blazing row" between two outgoing ministers? And especially two ministers from the "farmers' party" BBB? It was big news on the news and elsewhere on Thursday: the outgoing BBB ministers Femke Wiersma (LVVN) and Robert Tieman (I&W) had clashed, and unsurprisingly, because the manure minister allegedly wanted to pollute the water even further.
Now, there's no need to defend one minister against the other, but it's worth digging a little deeper to find out what was really going on here.
Predictable reaction
Even the party leaders of D66 and CDA seem unaware of the specifics of the dispute, but they react quite predictably to the suggestion emanating from the dispute.
The point is that there is indeed a controversy about Dutch water quality, and it's true that this is hindering agriculture. But why is there such a controversy about water quality? Because, based on objective criteria, Dutch water quality is worse than water quality in other EU countries?
Compare colors or measurement data?
This may be true for major rivers like the Rhine and the Meuse, as their waters in the Netherlands bear the cumulative burden of all the pollution that has already been carried along. For the rest of the country, where no water from these major rivers flows into the water, the situation is more nuanced. Here, it's primarily a matter of colors (green, red, or somewhere in between) that water body managers assign to the water. The actual measurement data is hidden behind it and therefore remains outside the discussion.
That's why the average Dutch person often doesn't know that the Netherlands applies different, usually stricter, standards than the EU requires. After all, red is simply wrong. But is "wrong" in the Netherlands also wrong in Europe?
Color transition at border
At our borders, you'll notice differences in interpretation, because much of the water that enters from Belgium or Germany via small streams is initially (Belgian or German) green and changes to a more alarming Dutch color upon crossing the border. This is, of course, only administrative, as little else happens with the water. The result is that the Netherlands, based on its own insights, reports "poor" or "worrying" to its citizens and Brussels, while the actual standards are different.
This was an important part of the discussion between Wiersma and Tieman, or perhaps better: the discussion between Wiersma and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Even in the reporting of the NOS Is that apparent? Tieman and State Secretary Aartsen (VVD and also I&W) seem just as clueless as the average citizen, and their officials seem perfectly happy with the way things are.
What general interest?
The officials advise with a view to 'the public interest', but what does that actually mean? This fear also arises after reading and a report from the RIVM about the risks of dual use of fungicides. A key group of these, azoles, serves both human medicine and agriculture. The latter carries the risk of these agents developing resistance in human healthcare. It's logical that this shouldn't happen, but is a ban, as suggested by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), worthwhile? Perhaps even more dangerous, as no one wants uncontrolled mold growth (and therefore mold toxins) in grain and other crops. This almost certainly impacts health even more severely.
Health Council more realistic
The Health Council is in an advice This theme also resonates with proponents of a "toxic-free" world and organic farming. They advocate for a restrained use of pesticides, but also for the use of integrated crop protection and genetically modified crops. Perhaps a bit unwoke, but probably also more realistic.
It's complicated to reconcile the desires (and also the insights or opinions) of the often urban citizenry with those of the world outside the city. Certain circles are accustomed to having their every desire catered to, under all circumstances.
Strategic consultation about everyone's wishes
This is illustrated by questions from the Senate regarding the Strategic Consultation on Agriculture and Food, which must address the question of how to provide the population with essentials even in extreme circumstances. Almost the entire food chain is already present at the table, but the GroenLinks-PvdA faction was mainly concerned about whether virtually all social groups were represented, as if consultation takes precedence over content.
Data management LVVN and RVO
Amazement is a key driver for this column, due to mismatches, obfuscation, or a one-sided focus. Concern also plays a role. This week, we offer a reason for this. a report from the central government audit service. They are questioning the data quality of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This concerns money, but also more. The service reports that it has issued a negative opinion on the management objectives for the second half of 2024, because the quality of the managed data is questionable. Civil servants also appear to be sloppy with their annual planning, often resulting in significant backlogs at the end of the year. Formally, the minister is responsible, but in this case, the Secretary-General does not seem to be in control.
Still 17.000 hectares of nature missing
State Secretary Rummenie sent this week a progress report on nature to the House of Representatives. And for the first time in many years, it was also made more or less public which data is sent to the European Commission. It is an account of much that is still not going well with nature, at least according to recent strongly criticized Insights. It is also recalled that much more nature will need to be added in the coming years. Compared to the 2013 nature pact, there will still be a remaining task of 17.000 hectares (of a total of 80.000 hectares) of nature to be designated in 2027.
Formation
Agreements on this can be made – or not – during the resumed coalition talks. It depends heavily on whether a minority cabinet is indeed formed, presumably consisting of D66, CDA, and VVD. And with whom majorities are then formed. The continued formation process will take place starting mid-week, led by Rianne Letschert (D66). She is the rector of Maastricht University and, as is fitting, is praised for all her qualities. The fact that she, like other university administrators, ducked deep under the table earlier this year when all sorts of protests and vandalism took place, including at her university, is not mentioned.
Klaas van der Horst
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